The First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Hon Malungo Chisangano, MP, has reminded Chairpersons of Committees and selected female members of Parliament, their responsibility for managing Committee meetings, information analysis and ultimately guiding the Committees to make good quality decisions and recommendations. “As such, the success of the work of a Committee depends much on on your effectiveness”, said Madam Chisangano, MP,  when opening the workshop on Parliamentarians Capacity and Knowledge Enhancement.  The theme of the workshop was, “Enhancement of Democratic Principles during Committee Meetings.” The Institute for Parliamentary Studies and Training, in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conducted a Capacity and Knowledge Enhancement Workshop for Chairpersons of Parliamentary Committees and selected female Members of Parliament   at Savee Beach Resorts, Siavonga, from 28th February to 3rd March, 2025.

 

Hon Chisangano observed that female Parliamentarians were Chairpersons in-waiting and that there were only two female Members of Parliament who are a Chairperson of a Committee. These are Ms. Sibeso Sefulo, MP, Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters  and Ms Chushi Kasanda, MP , Chairperson of the Committee on Government Assurances. zHonourable Chisangano said that the capacity building workshop had been organised  so that,  through it, a number of pertinent issues relating to the work of Committee Chairpersons would be addressed, such as guidance, agenda setting, moderating discussions, liaison role, and managing witnesses and evidence. 

 

Earlier in his welcome remarks on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Tennieson Nyangu, Director, Institute for  Parliamentary Studies and Training (iPST) said that the gathering marked a significant step in strengthening Parliamentary leadership, governance and gender inclusivity in Zambia’s legislative process. The workshop was in line with Pillar One of the National Assembly of Zambia’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026, which focussed on strengthening the capacity of Members of Parliament and staff to meet the institution's constitutional mandate.  Mr. Nyangu said that, “over the course of the workshop, Members will engage in discussions and training sessions designed to enhance their leadership, negotiation, and legislative skills. The knowledge and skills they will gain will not only benefit them individually, but, will also contribute to a stronger, more responsive, and more inclusive Parliament. I am confident that they will have a productive discussion, drawing on their experiences and observations from the past three to four years.”

 

Resource Persons were:

i. Hon Vincent Mwale, former Cabinet Minister and former Member of Parliament;

ii. Mr.  Lifuka, Governance Expert;

iii. Mrs Chipili Nkonga, Diplomacy Consultant, Former Diplomat, Zambian Embassy in Brussels; and

iv. Mr. Siasinyanga, Council Secretary- Chikankata Town Council.

 

Other Resource Persons were Mr. Fitzgerald Kateshi, Director Parliamentary Budget Office, Mr. Stephen Chiwota, Director-Economic Affairs Committees and Mr. Mubanga Kabwibwi, Deputy Director  Research who discussed support services to Chairpersons during Committee meeting.

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The Workshop ended with the identification of areas that needed reform and an action plan development in the management of Committees.